Sea Machines Robotics showed the capability of its autonomous-command technology at the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans with live demonstrations that remote-commanded an SM300-enabled workboat in Boston, more than 1,500 miles away.

Missions were planned and deployed over secure connection and included autonomous waypoint following, dynamic obstacle avoidance and remote payload control of an on-board fire monitor. Following the missions, the operator discussed the various applications for the technology, as well as the benefits, such as increased productivity, performance and safety – which ultimately translate to increased profitability.

“This series of long-distance demos proved that the technology performs as expected and is available now for use aboard many types of commercial workboats,” said Sea Machines’ Founder and CEO Michael Johnson. “These products are already transporting the marine industry into a new era of task-driven, computer-guided operations, and are bringing advanced autonomy within reach for small and large-scale operators.”

Workboat autonomy

Last month, the company made commercially available the world’s first industrial-grade autonomous and remote-control products purpose-built for workboats, including Sea Machines SM300 and SM200.